BOBST M1, M5X Inline Flexo Presses: Two Best-Selling Presses Offering More

The best Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) delivered by the M1 has sealed the success of the line, which over the years has established a solid reputation as “the” press for label converters searching for repeatable high print quality, operational efficiency and flexibility in press configuration so as to handle a great variety of label applications and substrates.

“The latest M1 configuration with mechanical line shaft and technical upgrades will further enhance the press’ remarkable advantages in terms of sustainable operation, fast return on the investment and TCO,” said Matteo Cardinotti, managing director of Bobst Firenze and Head of Narrow & mid-web multi-process Product Line.

The LaserSet system provides semi-automatic pre-register setting, and with the Print TutorTM high definition digital camera-based system now also available on the M1, the machine affords automatic register control. Continual reading of register marks by the Print Tutor cameras installed on every print unit ensures consistent print quality during production. This, combined with the rapidity of the register correction at speed variations, enables the new M1 to deliver improved performance in waste cutting and overall press efficiency.

Just like the original M1, the latest M1 features an open architecture providing ease of access to the Flower print unit. A host of accessories allows flexibility for multiple press configurations to suit all label printers’ production requirements, even for the most complex labels and label shapes. These include the Ready cart for fast interchangeability of flexo, screen and hot foil heads; and the Snowball and Bambi systems for high speed waste stripping of PS labels of any type.

“In the case of the M5X, the focus has not been on specific technology updates but on the willingness to bring the benefits of the M5 advanced technology production line within the reach of a wider number of printing and converting companies”, said Cardinotti. “We have succeeded in engineering an optimized fixed configuration line that encompass the technologies and performance of the M5 in terms of output quality and press efficiency, albeit featuring a limited number of options. This has enabled us to optimize two other aspects of the M5X line: the delivery time and the level of investment.”

Available in 370 and 430 mm web widths, the M5X is a full servo press whose capability to handle all types of substrates, from self-adhesive stock through to glossy paper, unsupported film, aluminum foil, laminated tubes and light cardboard up to 350 gsm, makes it suitable for labels and packaging production. This also makes it ideal for companies that look ahead to the opportunities of entering different business segments and differentiating their production.

Options include the use of the REVO 7-color Extended Color Gamut process, and Digital Flexo automation for the automated pre-register and adjustment of the print pressure and register during production.

Said Cardinotti: “The M1 and the M5X exemplify how we continue to move forward in our commitment not only to innovation, but also to ensure that with the solutions we offer, whatever the level of investment, our clients can achieve the optimum balance between quality and economy that enables them to meet their clients’ requirements whilst ensuring a steady growth for their company.”


Photo courtesy Bobst